basic bank account

EarthBoy

TheGardener wrote: »

Barclays and the Co-op have offered basic accounts to everyone including Bankrupts for many years.

Co-op stopped offering basic accounts to bankrupts a couple of years ago.

TheGardener wrote: »

Most banks don't usually promote basic accounts - you may have to ask specifically for them and insist in some cases that you are not offered a regular current account.

You can't insist. Most banks now limit basic bank accounts to customers who are not eligible for a standard current account.

System

Nationwide seem to offer the most functional basic account but you can always try other providers like Barclays or TSB.

Apply for the best (free) account that you can find and you are likely to be offered their basic account (if you don't meet their credit scoring requirements) but can often upgrade after operating the account well.

TheGardener

EarthBoy wrote: »

Co-op stopped offering basic accounts to bankrupts a couple of years ago.

No - they stopped giving new basic accounts to undischarged BR's. Those who were already with them kept the account and once discharged, ex-BR's can apply for a basic account still. Very well documented on the MSE BR boards.

As for insisting on a basic - that does not reflect my experience . Customers can ask for a basic account if they want.

colsten

TheGardener wrote: »

As for insisting on a basic - that does not reflect my experience . Customers can ask for a basic account if they want.

You can ask but you might not get.

Since the recent introduction of the new type of basic accounts, all providers say they will only offer a basic account if you don't qualify for a 'normal' account. They also say that they will review the use of basic accounts periodically and upgrade people to 'normal' accounts if their eligibility changes.